NERS NEWS — Group 1 A1 from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga successfully conducted an integrated Project-Based Learning (PjBL) program on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The program, titled “KENDALI: Knowing and Caring for Families with Hypertension,” was held at the RW 01 Community Hall in Bulak Village, Surabaya. It integrated three nursing courses, Family Community Nursing, Complementary Nursing, and Gerontological Nursing with the primary goal of providing comprehensive education on the prevention and management of hypertension, particularly among older adults.
The event was attended by residents of RW 01 Bulak Village, including older adults, family members, and local community health volunteers. The participation of these community members was expected to encourage the application of hypertension management knowledge in daily life. The program began with an opening session by the master of ceremonies, followed by welcoming remarks from the organizing committee chair, the academic supervisor, and the Head of RW 01. As a gesture of appreciation and collaboration, the students presented a commemorative plaque to the Head of RW 01.
In addition to delivering educational sessions on hypertension, the students encouraged participants to stay physically active through a group anti-hypertension exercise session. Participants were also introduced to a complementary therapy in the form of cucumber and starfruit juice, which is believed to help support blood pressure control. The participants showed great enthusiasm, particularly during the discussion session, where many asked questions about their health concerns and appropriate hypertension management for their family members. The event concluded with a group photo session.
The implementation of the KENDALI program represents a tangible contribution by the academic community toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being. By focusing on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases through early detection and hypertension education, the program contributes to improving the quality of life of the community, particularly older adults.
Overall, the KENDALI program successfully enhanced families’ knowledge and independence in caring for relatives living with hypertension. For the students, the program served as an implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, bridging academic knowledge with real community needs. The collaboration among academics, community health volunteers, and local residents is expected to continue, strengthening promotive and preventive health efforts while contributing to a healthier and more prosperous society.
Writer: Kinanthi Sulistyobudi
